Northwestern Mutual - The Derrickson Financial Group Company Website
Location(s):
Indianapolis,
IN
Phone:
(312) 888-8888
Industry:
Finance / Banking / Accounting
Size:
50-99
Freedom . . . Success . . . Financial Independence
Since 1857, Northwestern Mutual has been helping people protect against financial risk and achieve financial security. With three offices located in Indianapolis and an office in Zionsville, Lew Derrickson and his team are helping to clarify a complicated financial world for clients throughout the greater Indianapolis area.
The ambition of Managing Partner, Lew Derrickson is to make a positive impact on all associates and their clientele by creating an environment of desire, confidence, consistency, and positive results.
Lew Derrickson, CLU
Managing Partner
Lew is only the ninth Managing Partner to lead the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Indianapolis since the office was founded in 1890. Since his appointment in 1989, the Derrickson Financial Group has consistently earned the Master Agency Builder Award and qualified in the top quartile in sales among Northwestern Mutual offices nationwide. Personally, Lew has served as president of the Northwestern Mutual District Agent’s Association and on the Executive Committee of the Northwestern Mutual General Agent’s Association.
With 119 representatives, The Derrickson Financial Group is a strong, growing business as evidenced by its most recent financial highlights.
The mission of Lew Derrickson and the The Derrickson Financial Group is to provide its clients with expert guidance and innovative solutions that are right for each client. Whether focused on personal finances, business needs or both, they help clients understand their financial goals and ensure they are providing them with the right guidance and products to meet their needs.
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network brings together the skills of representatives, the expertise of advisors and the technical know-how of a number of financial specialists to provide solutions for clients' financial goals and help you gain access to the products and services of a wide variety of organizations—each of which has a comprehensive understanding of a specific aspect of financial services.
And through The Network and The Derrickson Financial Group, here are just a few of the products and services available to your clients:
Our Expertise
Just as your clients trust and rely on you to provide needs analysis and innovative solutions, you can trust and rely on Lew Derrickson, The Derrickson Financial Group and the Network to provide sound products and services for your clients.
You might conclude that no one person can be an expert in all financial matters. We agree. That's why we provide you and your clients with access to a nationwide network of representatives, advisors and specialists who will work with you to provide a full range of services.
At The Derrickson Financial Group, our expertise includes:
Business Needs Analysis
Estate Analysis
Investment Services
Employee and Executive Benefits
Personal Needs Analysis
Disability Income Insurance
Long-Term Care
Advanced Planning
Community Commitment
With a strong commitment to community service, Lew Derrickson and his team support many organizations, including United Way, Christel House Open, and the Indiana Children's Wish Fund.
Diversity
At The Derrickson Financial Group, we are committed to reflecting our community and seek talented individuals who share our core values. As part of our overall growth strategy, we are committed to building and fostering a diverse organization of network representatives and specialists. We do so without regard to gender, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age.
We take pride in our unique strengths and the expertise we share with our clients. Our entire community can benefit from our expertise and can be rewarded with the advantages of the careers we offer. We will continue to be committed to reaching all segments of our community in which we live and conduct business.
Meet Managing Partner, Lew Derrickson
Lew received his B.A. in Economics in 1969 from College of William and Mary and his MBA in 1975 from Old Dominion University. Following graduation, Lew served as an Army infantry officer in Panama and Vietnam. Before joining the Northwestern in Norfolk, VA, in 1977, Lew worked in the banking industry and as a university faculty member. Appointed as a District Agent in 1978, he over 12 years built a large personal practice as well as one of the top performing District Agencies nationwide.
Lew has always been very active in the community. He is past president of the Norfolk, VA, Chamber of Commerce and the Old Dominion University Educational Foundation. He has been active in many other civic activities including St. Mary’s Child Center, Indiana Children’s Wish Fund and the United Way.
His honors and awards include: the National Quality Award, National Sales Award and National Health Achievement Award. He is a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table and his organization has consistently qualified for the Master Agency Award.
Read what Lew has to say about his career with Northwestern Mutual.
"Before becoming a Financial Representative, I was an Army Infantry Officer and a college faculty member.
I find the greatest reward to be the ability to work with insightful individuals to help them develop meaningful life goals, and then work with them over the years.
Developing a clientele is very difficult in early years, but the effort required is well worth it. This is a fabulous career. I’ve found I’m the hardest boss I’ve ever had.
I’ve also learned you get what you want by helping others fulfill their dreams and get what they want."
A Time I Made a Difference
My first death claim was a 25-year-old gentleman. My work helped his widow get back on her feet, return to graduate school and accomplish many of the goals she and her husband set forth for themselves.
Key Milestones
My management role has been very fulfilling as it has helped me guide many individuals in the successful pursuit of their family and career goals.
Career Advice
This is the best hard work you can possibly do. Enter the career with the thought that you will not allow yourself to assess your decision for three to five years. Follow the model given, achieve success and then analyze whether this will be your life-long career. Do this and I assure you it will have been worth it.
This is not the career for everyone. However, if you possess the strong desire to commit yourself to the career, you will be amply rewarded both personally and financially.
An Opportunity to Succeed
Successful financial representatives with The Derrickson Financial Group experience tremendous pride and satisfaction in building a practice from the ground up. Their success is not a factor of luck or chance; it's the result of a productive work ethic, strong relationship skills and a level of professionalism second to none. A mission of doing what's right for our clients is the thread that weaves together our organization.
The goal is not to simply sell products, but to discover clients' needs and help to meet them. That means taking the time to understand each person's financial situation, values and goals.
This career offers:
The ability to meet new people and positively impact families, businesses and communities as you help to achieve their goals and dreams
An entrepreneurial opportunity to own your own business
A high degree of support and training, plus ongoing curriculum for educational growth and personal development
The flexibility of a career that allows you to focus on things of importance to you
Earnings where you are directly rewarded for your efforts
A strong team culture and the opportunity to work with a variety of specialists and advisors
Exclusive access to a variety of world-class solutions and services, including life insurance from Northwestern Mutual
Leadership and development opportunities
Your Development
You'll have assistance in developing your business and marketing plans, extensive training and coaching from certified trainers.
New representatives receive initial industry and sales training as well as mentoring and joint work programs for hands-on experience. They have access to on-line education resources for polishing skills and keeping up to date on industry information as well as exposure to opportunities for ongoing career education and advanced professional designations to increase their knowledge and reputation.
Your Business
We know that building your own business is difficult without help. As a financial representative with The Derrickson Financial Group, you will be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The Derrickson Financial Group will provide you with support in your training and development, so you don't have to do it alone.
We take pride in our unique strengths and the expertise we share with our clients. Our communities can benefit from our expertise and can be rewarded with the advantages of the careers offered through the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.
If you're ready to be your own boss, set your own hours and make a positive impact on people's lives everyday, then turn your dreams into reality and find out what a career as a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative with The Derrickson Financial Group can do for you.
The Benefits of Your Success
Your career as a financial representative is what you make of it. You have the freedom to balance your hard work and determination with your personal goals. In the beginning of your career, it takes a tremendous amount of time, energy and commitment to earn the flexibility and financial rewards you will enjoy later on. You can achieve financial independence and have a positive impact on your clients, your family and your own community.
Income
A financial representative's income potential is virtually unlimited. Earnings are directly related to sales results and client relationships. Financial representatives are compensated through commissions, renewals and bonuses.
Our top producer group, The Forum, had a median gross income of over $410,800 in 2004.
First-year, average gross income during 2002-2004 for financial representatives ranged from $38,900 to $83,900.
Benefit Package
Whether you are single or married with a family, Northwestern Mutual's benefit package will address the various stages of a full-time financial representative's life. These benefits include: Comprehensive Medical Coverage, Retirement, Flex Programs, Childcare/Eldercare, Maternity Leave, Group Life and Accidental Death Benefit, Disability Income Insurance. Your local network office can provide additional information.
Lifestyle
When you invest the time and hard work necessary to build a successful practice as a financial representative, you can enjoy the rare and envied reward of balancing work with your personal goals. You can arrange your schedule so you may have three or four appointments a day, and still have time to participate in your children's school programs, community involvement or leisure-time activities.
Build a business that allows you to schedule meetings to accommodate your clients' schedules and your own.
Impact
The goal of the Network is not to simply sell products, but to discover clients' needs and provide solutions to meet them. That means taking the time to understand each person's financial situation, values and goals. Every solution you implement may help secure the financial future of your clients, their families, their businesses and your community.
You can experience the rewards of a career in which you can have a daily, positive impact on people's lives, including your own.
Meet some of the members of our Team
Successful financial representatives with The Derrickson Financial Group experience tremendous pride and satisfaction in building a practice from the ground up. Their success is not a factor of luck or chance; it's the result of a productive work ethic, strong relationship skills and a level of professionalism second to none.A mission of doing what's right for our clients is the thread that weaves together our organization.
Career Opportunities
Through The Derrickson Financial Group, our financial representatives have advancement opportunities into management and specialist opportunities. Learn more about some of our team members:
W. Brian Quick, CLU, ChFC, Disability Income Specialist
As the Disability Income Specialist, Brian Quick assists individuals and businesses design a disability income insurance program for both individual and group needs.
Bill Richards, Annuity Specialist
As the Annuity Specialist, Bill Richards provides expertise in helping individual and business clients with their wealth accumulation and wealth preservation needs.
Christopher Barnthouse, MBA, CSA, Long Term Care Specialist Christopher Barnthouse serves as the office's long term care specialist helping individual and corporate clients understand their long-term care needs and designs solutions tailored to their unique situation.
Philip Clark, Managing Director Philip Clark is the Managing Director of The Clark Financial Group local district network office.
Bruce Laughlin, CLU, Chfc, Managing Director Bruce Laughlin is the Managing Director of The Laughlin Financial Group local district network office.
D. Brent Dilts, Managing Director D. Brent Dilts is the Managing Director of The Dilts Financial Group local district network office.
Damon J. Phelan, Managing Director Damon Phelan is the Managing Director of The Phelan Financial Group local district network office.
Louis H. Lazaron, J.D., Managing Director Louis Lazaron works as Managing Director of a local network office. In addition to maintaining a strong personal practice, he plays a key role in the career development of other Financial Representatives.
Matthew R. Carothers, Field Director
As the Field Director, Matthew Carothers assists in the recruitment and selection process of candidates in order to build a cohesive unit of productive full-time Financial Representatives.
Career Insights
Read what Keenan Blanchford has to say about his career as a financial representative.
I was in college when I interviewed with my Managing Director. I knew I wanted to be in business for myself and wanted to have an opportunity for a great income.
I liked the Managing Director and researched the strength of Northwestern Mutual and decided to give it at least two years. I’m still here.
I love it when people get excited about their futures and recognize the importance of proper preparation. I especially enjoy it when people really engage and think about their situation in the Fact Finder process.
It Has Its Challenges
I have struggled to remain consistent in my efforts, focus and production. This has led to some financial challenges and caused me to run my practice more defensively than I would like.
In the first few years, the challenges were clear planning, developing a real marketing plan, learning how to keep my books, paying taxes, and training an assistant. Needless to say I developed some poor habits early on. Throughout all that, I learned I am not as disciplined as I thought I was, but I can accomplish a ton when I am focused.
Looking Forward
I look forward to Forum and more profit, as well as becoming more involved in development of others as I develop myself. I’ve qualified for Million Dollar Round Table as well as spoken at a recent regional meeting. I am also a chair person on our local National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors board.
Career Advice
Figure out why you want to do this career. Find a purpose strong enough to keep you focused. Create a real plan and commit totally. Be willing to do whatever it takes.
Our company is differentiated by commitment to a long-term value proposition. As such, there are no quick fixes or loss leaders. There is a culture of service and quality. And we must continue to improve.
Read what Brian Wilkinson has to say about his career as a financial representative.
Before I became a Financial Representative, I was an assistant golf professional.
I held Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in the highest regard, but was reluctant to take the risks, both social and financial, associated with the first five years of the profession. My wife was very supportive and had faith that it was the right path for us to take professionally.
The greatest reward continues to be the work that we do for our clients and the appreciation they feel. We put an enormous safety net underneath our clients as they build their professional and financial lives that they otherwise would not have.
The majority of financial analysts omit the difficult conversations that they need to have with their clients and go straight to putting their assets to work for them. Our approach is to make certain that the proper risk management foundation is in place before we have those discussions.
Necessary Challenges
The greatest challenge in our business lies in getting our clients to face certain realities in life. Our clients are human and as such do not like to discuss their own mortality or other potential problems associated with their financial futures.
This profession has a lot of moving parts. There is a lot to learn in the business and one can never stop learning. Northwestern Mutual does a fantastic job channeling information to us on legislation changes and professional development opportunities.
Key Learning
I have learned that I enjoy setting annual personal, professional and financial goals each and every year. I enjoy doing an honest personal reflection at year end, setting goals for the upcoming year and laying out solutions to achieve them. I have learned that I enjoy trying to improve myself in every important area of my life.
Career Advice
There is no substitute for hard work. The profession is very dynamic, challenging and rewarding. Work hard, become a student of the game and enjoy the rewards that will follow.
Northwestern Mutual has innumerous advantages over the competition – the new rep training program, financial strength of the company, solid product line, network of specialists and expense management to name a few. The largest differentiator in my estimation is the company’s unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in all circumstances.
Internships
Whether you know where your college education is taking you or you're still keeping your options open, you owe it to yourself to see if Northwestern Mutual Financial Network's Internship program with The Derrickson Financial Group is right for you.
As you learn by doing, you'll find that the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Internship Program is an intense and according to our alumni -- unparalleled learning experience. Expect the process to be rewarding, educational and an opportunity for you to narrow your career search.
Our internships provide a great chance for students to combine what they've learned in the classroom with a real-life look into what they could truly make of themselves. You'll have the chance to work in a real-world business environment and earn performance-based compensation.
The ambition of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Internship program has been less to sell our financial products than to develop people. As a Financial Representative College Intern, you will enjoy the benefit of working with The Derrickson Financial Group where you'll receive outstanding guidance, superior support and quality expertise.
As full-time college students, interns generally work 15 to 20 hours per week developing business- and client-building skills. In most ways, our interns follow the same process for establishing their careers as our Financial Representatives.
Our internship offers you invaluable business experience that you will take with you far into your career. But that's just the start of the impact this can have on your future and your present.
Consider these benefits:
Practical guidance in your career selection process
The chance to develop your networking and business relationship skills
Flexible work schedule
Securities license, state licenses for life, health and accident insurance opportunities and a head start program for a career as a full-time Financial Representative
Compensation in the same manner as a full-time Financial Representative.
Actual business experience for your resume.
Test drive the Financial Representative career.
Regardless of what you do after graduation, you'll have a foundation of skills and knowledge to build your career upon. One out of three former interns becomes a full-time Financial Representative upon graduation. These graduates have built a solid foundation for immediate and future career success.
The two-thirds who choose other career paths benefit as well. They launch their career with stronger business-building skills and a clearer sense of where they want their career to take them.
After completing the internship, the knowledge you have gained, coupled with the opportunity to work for The Derrickson Financial Group as a full-time Financial Representative, can lead you to a profitable and fulfilling future.
The Northwestern Mutual Advantage
Northwestern Mutual exists to help policyowners and clients protect against financial risk and achieve financial security. The company, with its subsidiaries and affiliates, offers insurance products, investment products and advisory services that address client needs for financial security and protection, capital accumulation, asset distribution and estate preservation.
With more than 350 offices across the United States, 3 million policyowners and clients, $18 billion in annual revenues and $133 billion in assets, you can count on Northwestern Mutual to help you build strong financial futures for your clients.
The company's tradition of "doing the right thing" has been honored and nurtured by successive generations within Northwestern Mutual and recognized in the industry and media.
World's Most Admired--Northwestern Mutual is the "World's Most Admired" company in its industry, according to FORTUNE magazine's annual survey of industry executives and analysts. For Northwestern Mutual, it is the seventh year as the top life/health insurance company in the magazine's global survey.
First in Customer Satisfaction-- For the third year in a row, Northwestern Mutual has earned the highest customer satisfaction score among U.S. life insurers, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index's (ACSI) survey. Northwestern Mutual's industry leading score can be found in the ACSI's fourth quarter of 2005 consumer study, focusing on retail trade, e-commerce, banks and insurance.
America's Most Admired--According to the March 7, 2006, FORTUNE magazine survey, Northwestern Mutual has been named "America's Most Admired" life insurance company for 23 years.
One of America's Top Ten Internships for 2006--"Northwestern Mutual Financial Network has made our Top 10 list for ten consecutive years, proving its internship program to be consistently among the best." Internship Informants™, Vault, inc., 20006.
Selling Power's 50 Best Companies to Sell For--Northwestern Mutual was ranked as the 2nd best and 4th largest service company (November/December 2005).
Financial Ratings--The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Mutual), the nation's largest direct provider of individual life insurance, according to statistics compiled from A. M. Best data, has always received the best possible insurance financial strength ratings from the four major rating services: Standard & Poor's (AAA), Fitch Ratings (AAA), A. M. Best (A++) and Moody's (Aaa).
Top 100 Employers--Ranked 22nd in The Black Collegian's "Top 100 Employer and The Majors in Demand" for the Class of 2005.
Largest Direct Provider of Life Insurance--According to statistics compiled from A. M. Best data, Northwestern Mutual is the largest direct provider of life insurance.
Community Support--The Northwestern Mutual Foundation supports nearly 1,500 schools and nonprofit organizations each year. Last year, the Foundation contributed nearly $13 million ($12,534,005) in national and Milwaukee-area grants.
2006 Dividend--Northwestern Mutual's overall dividend payout to policyowners for 2006 is expected to be $4.27 billion, an increase of $360 million, the largest single increase in company history. This ongoing success, fostered by the company's tradition of "doing the right thing," has been honored and nurtured by successive generations within Northwestern Mutual.
Freedom . . . Success . . . Financial Independence 
Career Insights
Read what